My Pepaw

 My sweet Pepaw went home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2012.  He was a young 73 years old.  In January of 2007, he had a massive stroke and has been pretty much bed ridden for the past 5 and a half years.  Prior to the stroke he was full of life, walking several miles a day, and just as goofy as can be.  We are so thankful that he is at peace now and no longer suffering, but it has been hard for everyone, as he was such a light in all of our lives. 

Two days before he passed, my sister and I were able to say our final good bye to our sweet Pepaw. It will be a memory I will carry for the rest of my life. He said our names, said "I love you," and squeezed our hands with his strong right arm. There was laughter and there was tears.  He was very anxious majority of our stay and Amanda suggested I sing to him. I started to sing "It is Well With My Soul" and he instantly calmed and closed his eyes. I captured this picture of him holding my hand and I will treasure it forever. 

On Monday we traveled to Austin for his funeral and it couldn't have gone better.  It was a beautiful service where he was truly honored, and I got a chance to see a hint of all the lives he touched.  His best friend of 60 years, Ronnie, went down the list and said one line that Pepaw would have used to describe us. "Ebbie said Allison was just like him but smarter." I felt so proud, so touched.  It was exactly what my heart needed to hear.  My mother, Aunt, and all six grandchildren also gave part of the eulogy, and I would like to share my part.

Wow, this is just incredible to look out and see how many people’s lives my Pepaw touched.  This is such a testament to his character and life. I know he is loving all this attention watching us above. If you were to ask my cousins and siblings behind me who my Pepaw’s favorite was, we would all individually say ourselves. That is how our Pepaw loved – effortlessly, fiercely, and whole-heartily.  He made you feel adored, he made you feel special, he made you feel like you were worthy of anything. Other than my Daddy, he was my first love. The past 5 years of his life will not be what I remember about him.  He was more than just a stroke.  I will remember him as the man who called me ‘his turkey,’ the man who would run 8 miles, come home soaked, and still want a sweaty morning kiss, the man who taught me how to throw a spiral, the man who would hug you just a little too hard, the man who loved to sing, the man who loved John Wayne, the man who took us to Sea World and made us all wear yellow shirts so we wouldn't get lost (Amanda and I were teenagers), he was the man who would give 23 Christmas gifts and still think it wasn't enough, and the man who showed me the discipline of faith. I am very grateful and humbled to have called him mine. He was such blessing and I'm really going to miss him.  I love you Pepaw... your Turkey will see you again someday.  

"It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul."

 You were so adored Pepaw! Out of all the speeches said on Tuesday, one line stood out from John Brazil's,
"Friends were dear to Ebbie, but family was supreme."  

I promise your legacy will live on ...